A chic leather jacket is the ultimate wardrobe staple: add it to any outfit for instant edge whether you’re rocking athleisure, a formal dress or jeans and a T-shirt. From edgy motorcycle styles, classic trench coats or boxy puffers and bomber fits, leather jackets continue to be a best selling item year after year, never going out of style.
“A leather jacket [is] something that can be passed down for generations,” says Liv Schreiber, a NYC-based wardrobe stylist and social media influencer. Fashion experts note that the leather jacket just never goes away and “have been around since the early 1900s but have been a style staple since the 1950s when they were adopted by greasers and Hollywood bad boys,” says Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst. “In the ’70s and ’80s, aviator style jackets were popular, as well as punk rock jackets adorned with studs and patches. In the ’90s, oversized leather jackets were in to pair with grunge fashion, and in the early 2000s, long trench versions grew popular, a la The Matrix.”
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab partnered with Liv Schreiber to find the best leather jackets for women. GH analysts evaluated over a dozen leather jackets in the Lab, looking at the jacket’s construction, ease of laundering and unique features. Then, we had testers wear each jacket to give feedback on fit, comfort, appearance and more.
Our top picks:
Note that leather requires special cleaning and care, so GH experts also included faux leather jackets that cost a fraction of the price without sacrificing style. After shopping our best leather jacket picks, keep reading to learn how to clean leather, the different styles of leather jackets and expert shopping tips. Pair these stylish leather jackets with a warm pair of boots and classic jeans.
What to look for when shopping for the best leather jackets
When shopping for a new leather jacket, there are many considerations to take into account before making your purchase. GH fiber scientists teamed up with Schrieber to provide insider shopping tips. However, it’s most important that you actually like the jacket: it needs to be comfortable and something you see yourself wearing regularly!
✔️Silhouette: Leather jackets are available in a variety of different styles, including the classic biker or moto shape. Today, there are tons of stylish silhouettes like sherpa-lined flight jackets, chic blazers and long and cropped styles too, so everyone can find a leather jacket that fits their personal aesthetic.
✔️ Material: Before purchasing, check the jacket’s fiber content to ensure you know if it’s real leather or a faux leather alternative. The site listing should say “100{588b6a73d0fd0030a7dfcc3258d1c6d259509b7ec0f2eecf331d98a5c91e6f21} real leather” or “genuine leather” if it’s truly a high quality leather material. Leather tends to be rigid and stiff at first, but will mold to your body shape with use. For faux leather styles, most are made with polyurethane or another plastic-based finish.
While faux leather styles are vegan, it doesn’t mean it’s a sustainable buy as producing these faux leather alternatives has an extensive environmental impact. On the other hand, real leather production involves the harsh treatment of animals and excessive greenhouse gas emissions from raising livestock.
✔️ Hardware: Luxury jackets use high quality hardware that gives it an extra edge. When shopping, make sure to note the look and color of the hardware to ensure you like its look as some leather jackets feature bulky zippers or extra snaps for an edgier look.
How should a leather jacket fit?
Comfort is key! When trying it on, make sure to lift your arms up and move around to ensure it’s comfy to wear in all positions. Leather does mold to your body, so the fit can actually improve with time. Schreiber says, “I order one or two sizes up because I prefer the baggy look.” Most testers agreed and went with a jacket one size up. Make sure to try the jacket with different tops on, including a sweater, to make sure you truly like the fit. Schreiber says she has a few leather jackets with different fits so there’s a jacket that goes perfectly with every outfit.
How to clean a leather jacket
When it comes to deep cleaning a genuine leather jacket, GH cleaning pros recommend leaving it to a professional leather cleaner. Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director, recommends using this Leather Care Kit for spot cleaning at home. Check out our full guide on how to clean your leather jacket at home for more cleaning tips, and for faux leather jackets, you may be able to machine wash the jacket, but always follow the care label closely for the best results.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she has tested all types of apparel items like denim, workout leggings, jackets, sneakers and more for the past four years. She tested over a dozen different leather jackets in Lab and reviewed nearly a hundred online before making these selections. Liv Schreiber is a fashion stylist and lifestyle influencer most known for her TikTok videos.
Emma Seymour Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018.
Want more deals? Visit CNN Underscored’s Guide to Cyber Monday for wall-to-wall coverage of the best discounts to be found during the biggest shopping event of the year. From designer clothes, to trendy accessories, to practical gifts like outerwear and socks, the Cyber Monday sales have fashion finds for everyone on your […]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
